Covering Expenses for Child's Vacation

Your son's best friend asks if your son can come along on his family's vacation. The boy's mother insists that she doesn't mind squeezing another child in the back of her minivan. How to handle sharing the expenses?

1) Don't go there. Just decline and say, "Maybe next year."
2) Call the boy's mother and say it's OK with you, providing she accepts your check to cover all your son's costs.
3) Have your son tell his friend's parents that they must agree to let you pay your child's way, in full.

The Correct answer: (2) Your son's friend's family made a generous offer to take your boy on vacation. Giving the family money to contribute toward your son's enjoyment is the right thing to do. Matter of factly tell the mom you'll give her a check for food and other expenses, such as amusement park tickets or movies. Be polite, and don't take no for an answer. I also suggest that you give your son some pocket money.